Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Cefn Mawr Viaduct and Horseshoe Falls

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct - A stream in the sky

With an impressive height of 126 feet 8 inches, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in north east Wales is not only a remarkable feat of engineering but also an interesting and popular tourist attraction. The aqueduct over the valley of the River Dee is the longest and highest aqueduct in the UK and is fed by water from Horseshoe Falls. The aqueduct is also a part of World Heritage Site - an eleven-mile corridor from Horseshoe Falls in Llangollen to Gledrid in Shropshire.

The aqueduct was designed and built by Thomas Telford and William Jessop and opened in 1805. It has a water passage for a single canal narrow boat in addition to a towpath for pedestrians. The views from the aqueduct are amazing on both sides and the pedestrian walkway is secure. Even if you are not good with heights, you should try and cross the aqueduct. It is an amazing experience and the views are stunningly beautiful. Scenic beauty aside, I couldn't help but wonder as to how the builders managed to complete this remarkable aqueduct. It is awe inspiring. If you are in North Wales, do add this to your list of places to visit.

You can choose to walk across the aqueduct and explore the area around on foot or take a boat trip across the aqueduct (approx. 45 minutes).

Trevor Basin is located next to the aqueduct and there is a  Visitor Centre on site. You can talk to the staff for more information on walking routes, boat trips etc.

Location: Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Station Rd, Trevor Basin, Wrexham LL20 7TG

Cefn Mawr Viaduct 

Just over a mile down stream from the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the equally impressive Cefn Mawr viaduct. Measuring around 1,508 feet long and with an imposing height of 147 feet the viaduct was built by Thomas Brassey in 1848 and is only accessible by train.

The viaduct sits on the edge of the Ty Mawr Country Park which is a great place for families. There is plenty of seating for picnics, a children's park, visitor centre and also a café on site. You can walk along the riverside footpath (a one-mile walk) and it will take you up to the Pontcysyllte aqueduct.

Location: Ty Mawr Country Park, Cefn Mawr, Wrexham, LL14 3PE

Horseshoe Falls

You can walk up to Horseshoe Falls along the towpath from Llangollen (less than 2 miles) but as we were short on time we drove to Llantysilio Green, parked our car and walked the very short distance to Horseshoe Falls.

Many people assume that Horseshoe Falls are waterfalls and tend to be disappointed when they see that it is actually just a weir. I had researched about the place much before we visited it, so I knew what to expect. Although it is not as impressive as a natural waterfall, it still is a piece of beauty. The weir was designed by Thomas Telford to draw water from the River Dee into the Llangollen and Ellesmere canals. And six miles downstream the Llangollen canal crosses the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Isn't that amazing? I feel the entire 11-mile corridor from Horseshoe Falls to Gledrid is simply astounding. One cannot help but marvel at the planning and engineering achieved centuries ago.

The horseshoe-shaped weir is 460 feet long and in addition to supplying water to the canals, it also beautifies the surrounding landscape. It is a lovely spot for families, walkers and nature lovers alike.

This entire World Heritage Site stretch is of historical importance and with its beauty and breath-taking structures, it is no wonder that it draws tourists. Definitely worth a visit if you are in North Wales.